Chairman of the Public Service Commission says that they are yet to appoint an Auditor General
By EDDIE OSIFELO
THE Auditor General cannot sign off on audit reports on all financial statements of public sector entities at the moment.
This was after former Auditor General, Peter Lokay’s contract ended in March this year.
Deputy Auditor General, Rachel McKechnie of New Zealand said work is ongoing to appoint a new Auditor General.
She said auditing on financial statements are still on going, however there is no Auditor General to provide a final opinion whether it is true or fair.
According to Section 108 (2) of the National Constitution, the Auditor-General shall be appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission.
Chairman of Public Service Commission, Milner Tozaka said the position has already being advertised and a decision made to identify one candidate.
Tozaka said when the candidate is going to take up the post is up to the Ministry of Public Service to decide on it.
He said at the moment he cannot name the chosen candidate because the Public Service is still to make a decision on it.
One of the aims of the Auditor General is to produce reliable and persuasive reports on the performance of public sector activities that aim to generate significant improvements in public sector administration.
The primary output of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is audit reports – to the National Parliament, the nine Provincial Assemblies, the Honiara City Council and the various Boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Statutory Authorities (SAs).
The Office also produces Special Audit Reports which are provided to the requesting government agencies when it is believed that the topic is of importance for the general governance of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) or in the public interest.
In addition, the OAG also undertakes efficiency audits of government programs or operations (known as Performance Audits) which are also reported to the National Parliament.
REPORTS have emerged that government institutions and officers are chasing after the COVID-19 funds for extra allowance.
A source who wants his name withheld said there have been incidents where officials were diverting tasks that provincial officials can carry out to Honiara-based public officers.
“It is disappointing to see this manipulating of tasks arrangements at the top level in terms of needed tasks in the provinces,” the provincial source said.
“An example is; when there is an incident at Shortland Islands, institutions in Honiara sent their officials to carry out the task rather than contacting provincial disaster focal points to execute it,” the source added.
“Most of the tasks have been decided by higher offices in Honiara and we know, they are running after the COVID-19 funds because there will be hefty allowances allocated for those who carry out the tasks.”
The source adds that provincial officials [frontline workers] are capable of executing the tasks required in any COVID-19 situation in the Western border.
The source further stated that sending officials from Honiara is not only bypassing provincial frontline workers but also a costly exercise for the government.
“We are complaining about low cash flow, but we turn to forget some of our actions contribute to eating up the government budget.
“If we do the right thing with moral values and responsibility, we will save funds for rainy days,” the source said.
Speaking during the meeting held between Western Provincial Executive and Parliament Health and Medical Service Committee this week, Provincial Secretary of Western Province who is also the Chair of Western Province Disaster Committee, Jeffrey Wickham said Western Provincial Disaster Committee has been a spectator as most of the plans and jobs bypass provincial disaster offices.
He said there is no proper coordination between national disaster office and the provincial disaster office, by passing provincial disaster officers in the process.
Wickham said National Disaster Committee and the Provincial Disaster Committee must be on the same page on COVID-19 programs and activities.
Natasha Sokeleke, Library For All's Solomon Islands Program Manager, pictured with children in Guadalcanal enjoying the Library For All digital book collection available on any android device for free.
CHILDREN across the Solomon Islands will have the chance to read local stories that spark imagination and build foundations for a lifelong love of reading, with the nation’s first ever digital library of books launching this month.
The program is being facilitated by Library For All, a Save the Children Australia not for profit enterprise made up of a global team of creatives with a passion for improving the lives of children through technology enabled learning tools.
The collection will feature 350 children’s books, in English and the local Arosi language, and will be available free on an Android app across the Solomon Islands.
Many of the stories within the collection have been written by Solomon Islanders, reflecting a sense of place and identity familiar to the children that will read the books.
For most of the authors, this was also their first experience putting pen to paper to create a children’s book, making it a significant opportunity to share their knowledge and stories.
Rebecca McDonald Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Library For All said:“The purpose of the program is to improve literacy outcomes for children in the Solomons Islands through stories that reflect their own experiences and identities.
“The idea is for the books to compliment the abundance of ‘window’ books that exist in the world – books that give a glimpse into the lives of others – and enrich a child’s reading experience by seeing their own lives and identities ‘mirrored’ on the pages they read.”
Rebecca was inspired to build Library for All while volunteering in Haiti in 2010.
While on the ground, Rebecca saw many students eager to learn but with no access to books, as an avid e-reader, she could access limitless books instantly, so she was struck by this injustice.
Rebecca has since dedicated the past decade to realising her dream: let the world learn.
“Library For All believes that education brings opportunity, and our mission is to make knowledge accessible to all.
“We won’t stop until every child can learn, does learn and enjoys learning,” Ms McDonald said.
“As a local author of Arosi books I am proud to contribute to the Solomon Islands first digital library.
“I am grateful that the Arosi language has been part of this project and that our children will now have access to more reading books written in their own mother tongue which will no doubt improve their learning.”
Save the Children Solomon Islands Education Program Manager Placida Misiga said: “Save the Children is proud to be working alongside Library For All to provide local children with such a unique resource for the very first time. “The Solomon Islands is isolated in many ways, which often makes delivery of education resources difficult, but Library For All’s effective use of edtech makes reading easily available to children who need, and will value it, most,” Ms Misiga said. The collection is available to download for free on the Library For All App (Get The App – Library For All) on any Android phone in the Solomon Islands.
SOLOMON Islands has joined other Pacific Islands countries to celebrate the signing of $66.6 million ($9 million EURO) Pacific Climate Information Services and Application (ClimSA) project and launching of the Pacific Meteorological Council 10th Year Anniversary in Honiara yesterday.
The event was hosted through a blended platform-face to face and virtual (via zoom) for participants outside of Samoa.
Deputy Secretary Corporate, Karl Kuper in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology, said as he reflected on the role and services of National Meteorology and Hydrological Services in our communities and countries, one must recognize that Met Services is the strong pillar that strengthens our fight against climate change, as weather and climate impacts us every day”.
Kuper, also current chair of Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology, said one of their fundamental roles is the collection of hydro-meteorological data observations, and share and exchanges these data regionally and worldwide.
He said all monitoring and prediction of weather and climate start from observations – these data provide the only source of knowledge about the atmosphere and the climate system.
“Weather and climate are inherently global, and to understand and predict them anywhere, observations even from the farthest reaches of the globe need to be made available to the global monitoring and prediction model systems.
“The first three links of the hydro-meteorology value chain -observations, data exchange, and global numerical prediction – are of global significance,” he said.
Kuper said failure in delivering these links severely affects the quality of global weather and climate prediction and limits the ability of all countries to adapt to climate change and promote resilient development.
He said the World Bank assessment on climate change and disaster risk in the Pacific identified in the last 60 years – more than 2,400 tropical cyclones was experienced and since 1950 extreme events have affected approximately 9.2 million people.
Kuper said the estimate damages of about $3.2 billion.
“These are astounding figures for our Pacific peoples to cope with when it comes to extreme events and changing climate.
“I therefore want to comment the meteorological directors, SPREP, WMO and its partners for the vision and foresight in instigating the setup of the Pacific Meteorological Council,” he said.
According to SPREP Director General, Kosi Latu, Pacific National Meteorological Services are the pillar of weather, climate and climate change science to predict and forecast weather, climate, ocean and water related hazards in our countries.
The Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC) was first established in 2011 as a subsidiary body of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
Since then, PMC has increased in number of partners and members as the demand for weather and climate information increases with climate change.
Honiara City Mayor Hon Eddie Siapu receiving his first vaccine dose with Dr Christopher Becha standing beside him to oversee the administration of the vaccine by the nurse.
THE Honiara City Council (HCC) yesterday launched its COVID-19 vaccination roll out program with Honiara City Lord Mayor Eddie Siapu receiving his first COVID-19 vaccination jab along with some of the City Councillors.
Dr. Christopher Becha, Health Director of HCC explained that with this particular roll out plan, HCC health workers will be bringing COVID-19 vaccination program to the people at their work places, communities and homes including setting up of some tents or using existing health clinics for fixed vaccination sites.
Nurses working hard at vaccination site.
“This is important to ensure that we speed up vaccination coverage in Honiara to all eligible persons 18 years and above as Honiara city is a risk area for community transmission due to ongoing travels into the country with quarantining, swabbing and testing of COVID-19 activities,” Becha said.
“All these pose some risk level of the virus finding its way into the communities”.
Becha also highlighted the concerning situation given the increasing number of cases and deaths in neighbouring Fiji and Papua New Guinea including Australia let alone the Delta variant that spreads even fast.
Rollence Misitana, player of Henderson Eels F.C taking his 2nd COVID-19 vaccination jab at the launch. He is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
In Fiji as of yesterday 8th July, 54 deaths with 6 of those deaths in the past 24 hours.
Total confirmed cases in Fiji 9,382 with 721 positive cases reported in the past 24 hours.
In Papua New Guinea, 17,308 confirmed cases with 10 cases in the past 24 hours and 179 deaths and 2 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours as of yesterday.
“Therefore, I strongly urge all Honiara residents who are 18 years and above to come forward and get your vaccination done when our teams come around your areas of work and communities,” Becha said.
In echoing similar sentiments on the need for people to be vaccinated, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, Incident Controller, of the National Health Emergency Operation Centre, (NHEOC) also highlighted that the number of global deaths due to COVID-19 has passed the 4 million mark with 185 million cases of COVID-19 positive registered world-wide to date.
HCC nurses hard at work due to large inflow of people to get vaccinated with two St. John Ambulance staff at the back ready to provide any support if required.
“Many countries including some of our Pacific Island Countries are experiencing community transmission of COVID-19 thus, lockdowns, restrictions to movements and activities therefore its impact is not only on health but spans wide to affect all other social economic aspects of people’s livelihood.
“This we do not want to see happening in Honiara therefore people must come forward to receive their covid vaccination,” explained Dr Bainivalu.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch Honiara City Lord Mayor Eddie Siapu called on all Honiara residents, community leaders, chiefs, elders including bosses of all government ministries and agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector to support the vaccination roll out by allowing their staff time out to get vaccinated once the health COVID-19 vaccination teams make their rounds to them.
“I have seen on Television and the internet, many lives that COVID-19 had taken,” Siapu said.
Kids from a local traditional dancing group putting on a show at the launch event. Thank you all for your support towards vaccine launch at HCC.
“I saw children crying for their parents, whom they can’t even hold for the last time to say good bye before they are buried,” he added.
“I have seen wives and husbands and families saying their last words to each other before passing on only through video calls on mobile phones as they cannot hold each other for that very special last moment.
“As I sit at my home, and see my children and grandchildren, I cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like if such situation happened to us.
“Ladies and gentlemen, for this I want to confirm today, that I will get my 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccines and ensure that I get my second to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.”
Upon receiving his first jab, Siapu came out again to the microphone and announced to the public gathered at the event:
“I am very pleased to receive my first COVID-19 vaccine dose 30 minutes ago, and I am feeling well and will ensure I get my second dose on the date stated in my card. Please do come forward and receive your first dose.”
While vaccination progressed, public were given opportunities to ask their questions, concerns, fears and anxiety over the vaccination with Becha, Bainvalu and MHMS Advisor Dr Yogesh Choudhri taking turns to answer the questions, which saw good number of people coming forward to get their first vaccine dose.
As of today, a new vaccination site is open complementing the Central Field Hospital and its right at Honiara City Council office at Town Council area.
“The Covid-19 Vaccines are coming to you now, so come forward and get vaccinated and lets all protect our children, communities and country against COVID-19.”
PEACE BE WITH YOU
Premier of Guadalcanal Francis Sade, right and Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal Bradley Tovosia shook hand during a reconciliation ceremony held at the Prime Office premises yesterday. . PHOTO: CHARLES KADAMANA
THE Guadalcanal Provincial executive yesterday amended political differences with the National Government, bolstering both parties trust and relationship to a new peak.
Premier Francis Sade assured the national government of his executive’s renewed synergy from here on.
Premier Sade and the Guadalcanal Provincial executive apologised to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Guadalcanal members of Parliament in the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement over leadership differences.
Guadalcanal MPs and Premier pose for photo with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare
A traditional Chupu ceremony at the OPMC compound annulled past differences.
Two Chupus were presented by Premier Sade, one to the Prime Minister and the other to the Guadalcanal MPs in the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement.
Government reciprocated with One Chupu, the acceptance of Premier Sade’s apology.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare presents a shell money to Premier Francis Sade
In his very brief remarks, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked Premer Sade for his humility in accepting his mistakes and apologising for it.
“Today, colleagues, paramount chief, the Guadalcanal Premier and your executive, is a very sweet ceremony.
“It is very biblical, very traditional where we sit down, forgive and accept each other,” Sogavare said.
Prime Minister Sogavare thank Premier Sade for apologising for the things he said that do not go down well with Guadalcanal MPs in the Government.
Paramount Chief Walter Naezon presents a shell money as token of appreciation to Prime Minister Sogavare
“You asked for forgiveness. That’s the sweetest thing to hear today.
“Yes, you are forgiven,” said the Prime Minister with a genuine smile and open arms.
In his reflection, Sogavare said Solomon Islands has travelled through hard times but remain resilient because of the three founding pillars upon which our nation was built- culture, church and the government.
Prime Minister Sogavare delivers a brief remark during the reconciliation ceremony
“Today manifests it all,” he said.
“I gladly receive the Chupu on behalf of DCGA, the government in power.”
The Prime Minister thanked Premier Sade for the assurance in further strengthening ties with the national government.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Luke Forau predicts the economy will emerge from the COVID-induced economic recession next year, but warns that there are many risks ahead and challenges for government finances – including its cash flow crisis.
In an update to the media yesterday on the economy in the year to May 2021 ahead, Dr Forau congratulated the government for its success in containing the pandemic but warned of revenue and expenditure pressures.
‘It’s not yet over until it’s over!” Dr Forau said
As part of supporting the Government to promote businesses to recover, the Central Bank has relaxed some of its capital control.
“This became effective as of yesterday, Thursday 8th July,” Dr Forau said
“Later this 3rd quarter, the Central Bank will introduce an export finance facility to support small exporters once the export finance facility guidelines are finalized,” he added.
Latest CBSI figures show in the year to May the economy contracted by 4.3% and that a small turnaround is expected this year.
“This year we are projecting a recovery of a 1.5% growth on the back of key national infrastructure projects and recovery of some sectors such as the fishing and agriculture,” Dr Forau said.
Economic growth in 2022 to 2023 of around 5% and 6%.
“This will come mainly from the anticipated booming construction activities for the Pacific Games and other key national projects such as Tina Hydro.
“Despite this positive outlook, risks are skewed to the downside and remain highly uncertain.” Dr Forau said
The pain of the recession is still being felt in the job market.
The Central Bank Governor said labour market conditions have been slow, particularly in the construction sector and transport due to continued border closure and weakened exports.
The trade deficit widened with most export commodities, in particular round logs down as expected.
Despite slowdown in the economy in the year to May, the country’s gross foreign reserves remained high at 13.9 months of import cover- well above the 3-month minimum set by the bank.
“These high reserves are driven largely by donor inflows,” Mr Forau said.
The Governor said the Central Bank will continue to work closely with and support the Government as the country moves into the recovery phase.
On the economic front he warned that the government’s successful COVID containment measures have taken a toll on its finances.
Tax collections remain weak due to depressed economic conditions and non-tax revenue, particularly from fishing license fees, was significantly lower than expected.
Pressures for more government spending has led to cash flow challenges and in turn, payment rationing.
“If this trend persists into the second half of 2021, the fiscal deficit of 3% of GDP envisaged in this year’s budget could widen further,” the Governor warned.
“This calls for a closer scrutiny and warrant more on priority spending, the need for increased budget support or additional borrowing to finance the development budget.
The Governor said he sees two immediate fiscal risks:
depletion of cash reserves and
the potential adverse knock-on effect from government’s non-payment of service providers to our financial system.
“Late payments of service providers most of whom have mortgages (or loans) with the financial institutions leads to building up of non-performing loans, which could potentially destabilize the financial system if it becomes systemic.
“Over the medium term, fiscal pressures are expected to abound.
“More social services and physical infrastructures will be needed to sustain the country’s growing population. With fiscal position continuing to deteriorate and the economy growing at a slower pace, this could potentially lead to more debt financing.
“Although the nation takes pride in hosting the 2023 Pacific Games, it is a commitment that could put huge pressure on government finances if not managed well,” Mr Forau said
The Country’s outstanding debt balance rose to 1.6 billion dollars as of May- an increase from $1.4 billion recorded in December 2020.
Although the debt-to-GDP ratio remains low (at 13%), it is expected increase once planned domestic borrowing to finance the National Government’s budget shortfalls and funding for Tina Hydro kicks in.
The vehicle that was involved in the incident at the Tenaru bridge. PHOTO BENJAMIN AFUGA
POLICE at the Henderson Police Station have charged a suspect with careless driving in relation to the fatal road accident at the Tenaru Bridge East of Honiara on 7 July 2021 that took the lives of five people.
The accused has been charged for causing death by reckless and careless driving, contrary to section 38(1) of the Road and Transport Act after he was arrested yesterday 8 July 2021.
Supervising Provincial Police Commander, Guadalcanal Province, Superintendent Sevoa said the land cruiser was chased by a police vehicle for careless driving from the Burns Creek area.
On their way up to Tenaru Bridge, the driver of the land cruiser saw an incoming vehicle on the Bridge and a parked vehicle at the western end of the Bridge, so the driver of the land cruiser decided to drive through the old Tenaru Bridge where a fundraising was happening.
“The vehicle drove straight towards the crowd, hit several people and later stopped. The driver of the land cruiser escaped after the accident but was later arrested.
“It has been confirmed that the suspect was drunk. Some unknown person later burnt down the land cruiser into ashes.”
Supervising PPC Sevoa said a traffic case has been established and investigation is currently ongoing.
“I call on parties involved in this sad incident to refrain from taking the laws into their own hands and allow police to deal with the matter so that those responsible could face justice. A remand application has been prepared to remand the suspect.”
“Our condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased for the loss of their loved ones,” said PPC Sevoa.
THE Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele has formally announced the passing of Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Barnaba Anga in Port Moresby yesterday.
In a broadcasted message to the Governor General and the Prime Minister, Minister Manele said:
“It is with great sadness, that I inform you all on the passing away of our High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Barnabas Lauia Anga this morning in Port Moresby.”
High Commissioner Anga collapsed at his official residence at 8am in Port Moresby and was rushed to Aspen Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead at 9am Port Moresby Time.
“On half of the government, I wish to acknowledge the tremendous service and contribution made by the late High Commissioner Anga to the government and people of Solomon Islands in promoting Solomon Islands interests in Papua New Guinea and also in elevating our bilateral relationship with Papua New Guinea,” Manele said
“I also wish to recognize the utmost dedication that the late High Commissioner Anga has done for the country as a long time public servant and senior government official in the respective offices that he held prior to his posting to Papua New Guinea.
“He has served with honour and distinction and dedicated his life tirelessly for his country Solomon Islands,” he added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade will be making further announcements on the late High Commissioner Anga’s repatriation and funeral arrangements in consultation with his family.
“The Permanent Secretary, staff of my Ministry and the government and people of Solomon Islands join me in conveying our heartfelt condolence to the late Barnabas Anga’s wife Madam Joyce Kelani Anga and their three children, Lucy Gelifua Anga, Wilmah Lifunah Anga and Junior Anga.
“May our Good Lord comfort and give you strength during this difficult period.
“May the soul of our late High Commissioner His Excellency late Barnabas Anga rest in eternal peace with our Good Lord,” Manele said.
Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has labelled statements by the Minister for Aviation, Peter Chanel Agoaka as misleading and inciteful.
The Island Sun newspaper ran an article in Wednesday’s paper (July 7, 2021) which quoted Mr Agovaka as saying that he is deferring a paper he intends to take to Cabinet to redirect SIRAP funding of USD31.7m away from Malaita to give Malaita MPs the opportunity to talk to the Malaita Premier and Provincial government.
Mr Wale said this statement by Agovaka is clearly intended as a threat to Malaita province to either accept China Harbour Engineering or nothing. He said this is shameful.
Wale said the World Bank’s procurement process that Agovaka claims to be insisting on has itself recommended the rejection of the bid submitted by China Harbour Engineering as non-compliant.
“In other words, under the current tender process, the bid by China Harbour Engineering cannot progress further.
“The statement by Hon Agovaka that the tender process is frustrated by Malaita provincial government’s position on the bidder is simply not true,” the Opposition Leader stressed.
Wale added that it does not make much sense to withdraw the entire funding for the roads and bridges, on the purported disagreement relating to the bridge only.
“In any case, this disagreement with the bidder is not even an issue in the tender procurement process as the bid itself has been determined by the World Bank to be non-compliant,” Wale added.
The Opposition Leader calls on Agovaka and the government to be rational about this matter and allow the World Bank procurement process to progress as it should in the case we now find ourselves in – that the bid is non-compliant, adding that the government should not interfere in this process.
